DRAFT Sustainability Appraisal Report for the Emerging Local Plan ...

16.223 The Council recognises the contribution the tourism industry has on the local economy. It will
continue to support the development of existing attractions in order to realise their tourism
potential, and to encourage projects which broaden the appreciation of the area’s natural
environment and heritage. Runnymede is also an attractive and accessible location, and the
historic fabric of the Borough is key to the tourist economy, particularly the sites of historic
significance. It also has a rich supply of amenity and open space serving local communities. In
addition to supporting the tourist economy, hotels and guesthouses are important in terms of
providing direct employment and supporting other local firms that provide goods and
services.
16.224 The overall conclusion of SEA as summarised in Appendix 4 is that Policy SP06 has a neutral
effect, which was the same conclusion for the SP06–A1.
16.225 The overall conclusion of SA as summarised in Appendix 3 is that SP06 has a neutral effect on
the objectives, the alternative SP06–A1 has scored better as it is able to address the causes
of climate change RSF17
16.226 The Sustainable Community Strategy seeks to promote economic vibrancy. However, this
needs to be balanced with the need to protect the (natural) environment. For the reasons set
out above, in terms of the overall strategy, the preferred approach is set out in SP06. This
seeks to support, promote, and encourage existing tourism, recreation, and leisure activities
in the town centres and along the River Thames including the provision of more hotel
accommodation. It caveats this support, premonition, and encouragement subject to other
material considerations. The Local Plan team rejects the one alternative to Policy SP06–A1,
which was:
SP06‐A1: To support sustainable tourism, recreation and leisure in the area and to
ensure that it remains a strong element of the Borough’s economy, the Council will:
1. Support existing hotels and the improvement of the quality of existing visitor
attractions where this can secure their continued viability without compromising the
amenities of local residents or the objectives of the guidance in NPPF on green belt
development;
2. Promote all new built tourism, recreation and leisure development on previously
developed land within or adjacent to town and district centres or visitor attractions;
3. Require new tourism, recreation and leisure development to be accessible by public
transport.
16.227 To summarise Policy SP06 will (subject to other material considerations) provide
encouragement for the continued use of heritage and waterways and the development of
more hotel accommodation as contributors’ to the attractions of Runnymede.
Strategic Policy 7 (SP07) – Thames Basin Heath Special Protection Area
16.228 Natural England’s objection to housing development within 5km of this SPA has been a major
constraint to development over the past few years and had the effect of halting development
in local authority areas adjacent to it, including Runnymede. The SEP set out a comprehensive
policy covering the main approach that needs to be taken with regard to the SPA. Similar to
all other Councils, Runnymede put in place an interim supplementary planning guidance on
its approach to development in the SPA. The Council uses this interim strategy when
determining residential development proposals in the 5km SPA zone of influence
(Supplementary Planning Guidance in 2008 (Revised 2009)).
16.229 Policy SP07 effectively replicates the advice as set out in Local Plan 2001 Supplementary
Planning Guidance in 2008 (Revised 2009) and the protection embedded within the Habitats
Directive and Regulations. It identifies development at the DERA site as requiring a bespoke
solution.
16.230 The Local Plan promotes no alternatives to Policy SP07.
16.231 The overall conclusion of SEA as summarised in Appendix 4 is that Policy SP07 has a neutral
effect.
Page | 228 Runnymede BC FINAL Sustainability Appraisal Report – Feb 2013